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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident defender Gabriel Heinze will return to the club next month.

The Argentina defender is seeking legal advice to see if he can act against the club’s refusal to sell him to arch-rivals Liverpool but Ferguson expects Heinze to honour his contract and turn up for training as planned.

Ferguson said: “He is due back in training on August 6, which gives him three clear weeks’ rest after the Copa America. And we expect him back.”

Monday, August 6 promises to be D-day for Heinze.

The deadline effectively gives Heinze’s lawyers a week to find out if the former Paris St Germain defender has a case, which revolves around whether a letter, signed by chief executive David Gill, confirming the figure United would be prepared to sell Heinze for, overrides the player’s contract, which still has two years to run.

Gill claims he informed Heinze’s agent verbally, prior to Liverpool revealing their interest, that United would not be prepared to sell him to any of their three major domestic rivals – a discussion which is thought was recorded and could, therefore, in theory, be used as part of any defence the Red Devils may wish to put forward in court.

Heinze has been the subject of interest from overseas, with Real Madrid and Inter Milan among the clubs to express an interest.

But the huge Spanish-speaking influence at Liverpool, plus an opportunity to remain in the north-west, appears to have an irresistible lure for the player.

And, after pinning much of the blame for the present situation on Heinze’s agents, Ferguson must now accept the defender is also a prime mover.

“We are aware Gaby is taking legal advice,” confirmed the United boss. “That is good. I hope it is good advice because we are confident of our position.”